Most experts will credit things like exercise, a nutritious diet, less stress, good healthcare, and (believe it or not) a social life with healthy friendships as the secret to a long, healthy life. So this Galentine's Day – AKA the holiday that celebrates female friendship – we're looking into how and why strong social connections support our well-being.
A 2023 study shows that “having strong bonds with both close social circles and extended groups is associated with better mental health and wellbeing.”
Older adults are at a higher risk of becoming isolated. Research shows that the incidence of loneliness increases and that social networks shrink with age. “Loneliness is one of the biggest issues amongst older adults and severely impacts health and well-being,” says Dr Charlynn Ruan, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Thrive Psychology Group.
That’s where friendships come in. “Having friends is one of the biggest factors impacting physical and mental health in old age,” Dr. Raun says. And while family certainly helps meet your social activity quota, friendships offer something singular. “Friendships absolutely have a different effect on our well-being,” says Howard Pratt, DO, board-certified medical director at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. “We choose our friends; we don’t choose our family.”
Here are five ways that strong friendships benefit your health and wellbeing…
Strong friendships are a golden ticket to longevity. A comprehensive 2010 meta-analysis of 148 different studies found that strong social connections boost “chances of survival” by 50%, meaning that they help you live longer. A lack thereof, on the other hand, has the opposite effect: Research shows that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively.
“Friendships and social connection aren’t just good for the soul – they’re literally good for your health,” says Dr Neha Chaudhary, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and chief medical officer at Modern Health.
Lack of social connection is associated with a higher risk of disease, for example — including a 29% higher chance of heart disease and a 32% higher chance of stroke, according to research. Loneliness can even mean you pick up the common cold more often; research shows lack of social connection may increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
“Regular interaction with friends keeps us socially engaged, which is important for our cognitive health,” says Niloufar Esmaeilpour, MSc, RCC, a registered clinical counsellor at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre in Vancouver. “Engaging in social activities can help keep the mind active and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”
Evidence backs up a relationship between social activity and cognitive health markers like working memory, visual and spatial abilities, processing speed, and overall executive functioning (a set of skills that includes things like planning, self-control, and following directions). Loneliness has such a strong influence on brain function that one 12-year study following older adults found that cognitive abilities declined 20% faster in people who reported being lonely. Others found that social isolation and chronic loneliness increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – the latter by as much as 50%.
It can feel like something of a betrayal to tell the people who love you that you’re lonely.
Friendship benefits your emotional health in a number of ways, including being a great stress reliever, Esmaeilpour says. “Laughter and enjoyment with friends can reduce stress, which in turn has positive effects on physical health, like lowering blood pressure,” she says. “Friends also provide emotional support, which is vital for mental well-being. As we age, we may face various challenges, and having friends to share our worries and joys can be a source of comfort and strength.”
Moreover, loneliness is associated with an increased risk for anxiety and depression. A systematic review of multiple long-term studies found that people who report feeling lonely often had double the risk of developing depression compared to those who report rarely or never feeling lonely.
“Having friends gives a sense of belonging and purpose, which is particularly important in older age when people might retire from work and have more free time,” Esmaeilpour says. Having plans, a reason to get up and leave the house and to turn off your screens can go a long way in adding life and colour to your days – especially when you’re no longer actively working.
“Your social connections are often a collective representation of you and your values,” Dr. Pratt says. “Sometimes our connections can be a sounding board for us, and sometimes they can serve to confirm our viewpoints.” Even better? Having friends that are honest enough to disagree with you, he says. “The reason that that is so important is that it comes with having an understanding that while I may not agree with you, I’m still standing by you.”
A version of this feature first appeared on SELF.
Beth McColl on the chronic nature of mental health.
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